NBA Thread

[GM Franchise]

Sources: Boris Diaw gets $22.5 million deal to re-sign with Spurs

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--boris-diaw-gets--22-5-million-deal-to-re-sign-with-spurs-195943153.html

Free-agent forward Boris Diaw has reached agreement on a three-year, $22.5 million contract to return to the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Diaw, 32, transformed himself into an indispensable part of the Spurs' championship fiber and his return was considered a vital part of management's plan to compete for a sixth franchise title next season.

The third year of Diaw's deal is partially guaranteed, sources said. Diaw is guaranteed $18.5 million over the first two years of the deal, sources said.

Spurs general manager R.C. Buford and Diaw's agent Doug Neustadt completed the deal Sunday, sources said.

With Diaw's return set, the Spurs will continue their pursuit of free agent Pau Gasol with an offer of their midlevel exception, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The deal includes protections for the Spurs' salary-cap space should the organization change direction in the next few years and move toward a rebuild after the Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili era.

Diaw had a tremendous NBA Finals for the Spurs, averaging 6.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists in the five-game series victory over the Miami Heat.

In his 11 NBA seasons with Atlanta, Phoenix, Charlotte and San Antonio, Diaw has averaged 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

[GM Franchise]

Jordan Farmar to Clippers

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2078002-jordan-farmar-to-clippers-latest-contract-details-analysis-and-reaction?utm_campaign=tsiphone&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=twitter.com

After returning to the Los Angeles Lakers a season ago and yet again proving himself as one of the NBA's most capable backup point guards, Jordan Farmar has reportdely reached an 2-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Brad Turner of the LA Times broke the news on the 27-year-old UCLA product:


Farmar struggled to stay healthy for the second year in a row last season and appeared in just 41 games with five starts. He didn't crack the starting lineup in Mike D'Antoni's system over Kendall Marshall, but did much to allow the Lakers to forget about one Steve Nash thanks to his averages of 10.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

Alex Gallardo/Associated Press
A member of the Lakers for five out of his seven seasons in the NBA—a brief two-year stint with the Nets in a search for a bigger role proved a mixed bag—it should come as no surprise Farmar made his wishes to remain in the Los Angeles area well known before free agency, as captured by Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News:

"I want to be a Laker," Farmar said. "I like playing for Mike. Whether it's Phil Jackson, Mike D'Antoni or whoever else coaches this team, that won't deter me from wanting to be a Laker."

The two-time NBA champion also flashed his loyalty to the Lakers after the worst season in franchise history, via the team's Twitter account:


Farmar is quite the strong addition at this stage in his career. He was humbled after sitting behind Derek Fisher, only to go to the Nets and watch the team trade for Deron Williams. He then returned to see Steve Blake shipped away and Nash hurt, but the playing time go to Marshall.

As a result, he has to have a strong grip on his role as a veteran presence who can run the offense and score in bunches when necessary.

While an injury risk in recent years, Farmar's price tag and contributions in a rotational capacity are nearly unmatched at the point guard position in today's landscape, where strong backup points are a must for title contention. His being on board presents a lineup flexibility now and into the future as long as he can stay on the court and be productive.

[GM Franchise]

LeBron James, Pat Riley to meet

http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/11184573/lebron-james-miami-heat-president-pat-riley-meet-person

Free agent LeBron James is planning a face-to-face meeting with Miami Heat president Pat Riley in the next few days, sources told ESPN.com.

James has been methodical in his approach since opting out of his contract two weeks ago. He has a plan in place, which included a family vacation and time to watch how the free agent market unfolds.

Rich Paul, James' agent, met in person and over the phone with a handful of teams last week including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets.

James is planning to meet with several teams face-to-face this week. He is scheduled to be in Las Vegas for a Nike-sponsored camp this week as well.

James' representatives have made it clear they are looking for a maximum-level contract, which would start at approximately $20.7 million.

USA Today earlier reported James planned meeting with Riley.

[GM Franchise]

Rockets intensify Chris Bosh pursuit

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11184392/houston-rockets-ramp-pursuit-chris-bosh

The Houston Rockets have ramped up their pursuit of Chris Bosh and are, in the words of one source, "heavily engaged" in trying to convince the All-Star power forward to leave the Miami Heat in free agency.

Sources close to the process told ESPN.com on Sunday that the Rockets -- though they haven't formally been told they are no longer in the running for top free-agent target Carmelo Anthony -- have intensified their pursuit of Bosh over the weekend in the hope that LeBron James will seriously consider leaving the Heat.

Bosh is resolved to wait on James to make a decision before he makes a decision on any other offers, as his preference remains to return to Miami with James, according to a source. However, the longer the process has gone on, the more Bosh has felt compelled to explore "Plan Bs," the source said.

Miami has remained a favorite to re-sign Bosh, even if it required him to take a pay cut from last season's $19 million salary.

Yet, as ESPN.com first reported Thursday, Houston has been plotting to shift its focus to trying to swipe Bosh from the Heat and convince the Texas native to return to his home state as soon as the Rockets felt like Anthony was out of reach.

Sources say Bosh remains willing to take slightly less than his value on the open market to return to the Heat if James and Dwyane Wade are also coming back and if Heat president Pat Riley can upgrade the current roster. But nearly a week into free agency -- with James' agent Rich Paul having opened negotiations with a handful of rival teams and Riley having secured no free-agent commitments -- sources say Bosh has felt compelled to consider other options himself.

Sources say Bosh would expect a four-year maximum offer of $96 million to leave Miami for Houston or any other suitor.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported Wednesday that Bosh was seeking a five-year deal worth between $80 to $90 million to re-sign with Miami, while Wade is thinking along the lines of $55-60 million over four years.

The widespread assumption around the league, when free agency commenced Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. ET, was that James, Wade and Bosh had all but agreed to return to the Heat after hashing out new annual salaries among themselves. But sources say the Rockets have been aggressive in testing Bosh's resolve, fearing that Anthony will ultimately elect to return to the New York Knicks or sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Houston needs a big forward with 3-point range such as Bosh in its search for the ideal frontcourt sidekick to All-Star center Dwight Howard. Sources say Bosh and Mavs star Dirk Nowitzki likely would have been at the top of the Rockets' list of free-agent targets had Houston believed it had a shot at either player.

Nowitzki committed Thursday to staying for three more seasons with the only team he has ever known, rebuffing Houston's attempts to recruit him, but the sudden uncertainty in Miami appears to have given the Rockets an unexpected shot to try to tempt Bosh.

The Rockets have maintained for weeks that they could move the contracts of Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin to create enough salary-cap space to sign a high-priced free agent if they could get a commitment from one of the top names.

Houston has already struck a trade with New Orleans to dispatch Asik to the Pelicans. And ESPN.com reported Saturday that the Philadelphia 76ers are prepared to trade for Lin and the $15 million he's owed next season as long as the Rockets attach suitably attractive assets -- such as a future first-round draft pick or more -- to Lin's contract.

[GM Franchise]

Sources: Chris Bosh considers offer

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11187137/chris-bosh-seriously-considering-houston-rockets-max-four-year-96-million-contract-offer

Chris Bosh, after talking with LeBron James this past weekend, is seriously considering the Houston Rockets' maximum contract offer of four years, $96 million, according to sources close to the situation.

Bosh, since opting out of the final two years of his deal -- worth $42 million -- with the Miami Heat, had planned to see what James decided before making his choice.

But a conversation with James about his future in Miami this past weekend created enough doubt for Bosh to begin considering his other options, including Houston's offer, a source said. The source said Bosh did not know whether or not James was staying in Miami.

Another factor in Bosh's decision to look at Houston has been the tenor of his negotiations with Miami. Bosh is willing to take an annual pay cut by accepting a five-year deal worth $80 million-$90 million from Miami.

But sources say the Heat have been trying to get Bosh to accept a lesser deal, obviously so they can have more money to spend in free agency.

The Heat's "low-balling" -- plus his conversation with James -- has led Bosh to take a serious look at Houston's offer.

The Rockets made the same max offer to Carmelo Anthony, but they have come to believe he will not accept it.

Houston will have to trade Jeremy Lin to create the cap space to offer the

[GM Franchise]

Sources: Heat targeting Josh McRoberts to add to supporting cast

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--heat-targeting-josh-mcroberts-to-add-to-supporting-cast-174754513.html

After meeting with Miami executives over the weekend, Charlotte Hornets free-agent forward Josh McRoberts has emerged as a top target for the Heat to sign at the midlevel exception, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The Hornets are determined to keep him, too, and have made a comparable offer in the past day, league sources told Yahoo Sports. McRoberts had become a versatile and trusted player under Charlotte coach Steve Clifford, and the team is pushing hard to re-sign him.

McRoberts could be eligible for a four-year, $23 million contract in the midlevel range.

McRoberts had one of his most efficient and balanced seasons in his seven-year NBA career, averaging 8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists for the Hornets. He played a significant part in helping return Charlotte to the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Miami has made bids for higher-profile free agents, including Trevor Ariza, Luol Deng and Pau Gasol, but financial constraints make those players long shots to sign with the Heat.

Update: Marc Stein        ✔ @ESPNSteinLine
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ESPN has learned that McRoberts will receive Heat's full midlevel for the next four years ($23 million) with a player option after Year 3

[GM Franchise]

Sources: Heat land Josh McRoberts

http://espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/story/_/id/11187465/josh-mcroberts-commits-four-year-deal-miami-heat

Charlotte Hornets free agent Josh McRoberts has committed to sign a free-agent deal with the Miami Heat, sources close to the process told ESPN.com on Monday.

Sources said McRoberts will sign a four-year deal valued at an estimated $23 million with a player option after the third season.

The versatile power forward, who can't officially sign with Miami until Thursday, had also been weighing an offer from the Hornets, sources said.

The Heat have been talking to a number of free agents in hopes of securing a verbal commitment or two to impress LeBron James and encourage him to stay in Miami in the face of the serious interest James is drawing from the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns.

McRoberts' passing and shooting ability would make him an ideal complement to James. Charlotte often runs its offense through McRoberts, who is regarded as one of the game's best passing big men.

Sources say that Pau Gasol, Luol Deng, Marvin Williams and Anthony Morrow are among the other free agents that Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra have chased.

The two certainly aren't strangers: McRoberts was fined $20,000 during the 2014 playoffs for making excessive contact with his foul on James during Game 2 of their first-round series.

[GM Franchise]

Report: Heat, Danny Granger agree to two-year deal

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/07/report-heat-danny-granger-agree-to-two-year-deal/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

The Heat are not getting vintage 2009, All-Star Danny Granger. Rather, the model they have has been through a few knee operations and is not the same guy. Watch him in person and you see the explosiveness is gone. He was uninspiring with the Pacers last season, looked better but not great with the Clippers, but in the playoffs he shot 27.5 percent overall and 22.7 percent from three. His minutes got slashed.

At best is a decent rotation player off the bench.

But the Heat have landed him. A two-year deal for the bi-annual exception has been agreed to, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.


Pat Riley has been working to upgrade the Heat roster and he now has added Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger. Those are two players the Heat could have used last season, they are improvements (McRoberts in particular) and with Pat Riley not sure what he can really spend and having to act like his team is capped out. Which means exception pieces only, and in that situation Riley did pretty well (although Anthony Morrow for the bi-annual would be much better).

But is that really enough to keep LeBron James in house? Does it show him the team is committed to spend and to improve the roster enough to win?

Those are the only questions that matter.

And the only guy who can answer them has yet to speak to Pat Riley or anyone else.

[Gravedigger]

McRoberts and Granger.... THAT will get LeBron to stay....

[GM Franchise]

McRoberts and Granger.... THAT will get LeBron to stay....

LOL here's a picture of his reaction to finding out about these signings.

[The TeeJ of Philly]

LOL here's a picture of his reaction to finding out about these signings.

Compared to Beasley, Oden, and the rest of that cast....McBob and Granger are actually better.

[GM Franchise]

But I don't think it's enough.

[The TeeJ of Philly]

But I don't think it's enough.

It's between Cleveland and Miami simply because he's aware of his legacy and knows a third team hurts him more than it helps him.

[GM Franchise]

Report: Channing Frye reaches four-year, $32 million deal with Orlando

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/07/report-channing-frye-reaches-four-year-32-million-deal-with-orlando/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Channing Frye decided not to wait around and see if better offers would come after Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James make their decisions — he is taking the money and heading to Disney World.

Or, close to it in Orlando.

The two sides have reached a deal, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

To me that price, more than the mid-level exception, is steep for Frye. The Magic have just drafted Aaron Gordon and Andrew Nicholson at the four, both young talents who now will split up minutes with Frey.

Frey is a classic stretch four — more than half of his shots last season were three pointers and he knocked down 37 percent of them (which is actually below his career average). Teams do better when he is on the court. There are things to like — when elfrid Payton or Victor Oladipo drives there will be someone to kick out to who can knock it down. Combine that with Nikola Vucevic up front and that's an interesting starting five in Orlando. Not sure they make the playoffs (even in the East) but it's interesting.

[J-Reb]

$32m for Frye?  Good grief.